Off Center- An International Ceramics Competition

Since the first ceramics were created, like Venus of Dolní Věstonice, before 25,000 BCE and pottery vessels that were discovered in Jiangxi, China, which date back to 18,000 BCE, people have been fascinated with clay. Today, artists continue to astound us as they push the boundaries of our preconceived ideas of what ceramics represent. From playful pieces disguised as everyday objects, to finely detailed vessels, ceramics delights and surprises us in its evolution. Whether you work in a more traditional style, or prefer completely outlandish creations, we want to showcase your vision and techniques from around the world during this annual show.

Important Dates:

Exhibition Dates: May 21, 2021 - July 3rd, 2021
Deadline to Enter: April 9th, 2021
Artist Notification: April 16th, 2021
Shipping deadline of work to Blue Line Arts: May 2nd, 2021
Hand deliver work to Blue Line Arts: May 16 & 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Opening Reception: June 19th, 2021, 5-8 p.m.
Pick up unsold work from Blue Line Arts:
July 5 & 6th, 10 a.m - 3 p.m

Juror Info: 

Magdolene Dykstra is a second generation Egyptian-Canadian. After studying both biology and visual arts in undergraduate studies, she received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Magdolene has participated in residencies at the Medalta Historic Clay District and the Watershed Center for Arts and Crafts. She has also spoken at NCECA conferences, most recently in a panel on "Disrupting the Canon" at the virtual NCECA 2021.

Magdolene has been awarded several grants from the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts, including Research and Creation Grants, Exhibition Assistance Grants, and Arts Abroad Grants.

Recent exhibitions include a site-specific installation at the Gardiner Museum (Toronto, ON). Upcoming exhibitions include a solo exhibition at the Jane Hartsook Gallery (New York, NY).

She is also the founder of SWAG, a group dedicated to supporting womxn artists in the Niagara region, where she is a passionate artist|educator, teaching at secondary and post-secondary levels.

Magdolene is currently serving as the Visiting Artist in Residence at Concordia University (2020/2021)

Eligibility:

Open to all artists 18 and older

Artwork cannot have been previously exhibited at Blue Line Arts

All artwork must be for sale

No accepted entry may be withdrawn or sold outside of the exhibition prior to the closing date

Accepted artwork that differs significantly from the image in the online submission will be disqualified

Blue Line Arts handles all sales transactions.

Non-member artists receive a 50% commission from all gallery sales

Members receive a 60% commission from all gallery sales

The artist is responsible to pay for all shipping and must include a prepaid label for return of artwork

FedEx or UPS ONLY

No USPS

Please use blue painters tape to secure wrapping and artwork duringshipping-- this ensures we will be able to reuse packing materials forreturn shipment

Two-dimensional artwork must be ready to hang

Wire must be installed

No sawtooth hangers